News – Sustainable Energy Outreach Network

High performance builders and architects call for legislation and law to change to protect homeowners in Vermont, especially after the dangers of spray foam insulation were revealed.

Architects and Builders Urge Action for Improved Construction Standards

Build Your Home, Did You Know?, For Homeowners, Policy / By seon

artially due to the recent spray foam insulation issues, a group of six builders and architects came together with a unanimous request during a recent hearing in Vermont. They appealed to the panel responsible for approving state regulations, urging them to delay the proposed energy code updates. Their rationale was rooted in the need for Vermont to first establish improved education, training, certification, and enforcement measures for builders before implementing these changes. The spray foam insulation failures served as an example of the issues that can arise without adequate knowledge and oversight in the construction industry.

What you need to know about The New Law For Residential Building Contractors, building science policy and legislation, SEON

Building Science: Volume 1, Issue 5

Archived News, News, Newsletters / By seon

In this issue of Building Science Newsletter: • To Spray Foam Insulation or Not to Spray Foam Insulation • Inflatable skyscrapers • 3-D printed raw earth house • Diaper house • Vermont’s housing crisis • Greening Your Career • our cherished members and more. Plus, welcome Shelterwood Construction

Vermont’s Energy Code is ignored by most builders. Homeowners looking to build or retrofit a new home need to educate themselves and look for certified high-performance builders to help them save money on their homes (in the long run), and to have durable, healthy homes for a lifetime.

The Housing Crisis Challenge for the Residential Home Building Industry – Vermont Needs Quality Builders

News, Press Releases / By seon

Before you build or remodel your home ► Did you know: Vermont’s Energy Code is the law, yet many builders and homeowners are unaware or choose to ignore the code?

Before you build a house in Vermont. Before you remodel a house in Vermont. Buyer beware. Spray Foam Insulation is made completely of fossil fuels, and buyer beware. Always contact a certified high-performance builder before you have spray foam insulation installed.

Risks of Spray Foam Insulation

Build Your Home, Did You Know?, For Homeowners, News / By seon

Buyer beware when it comes to spray foam insulation. Do not even think about using this on your new home or remodel until you first consult a certified expert in the field. Even though it is a standard in construction, you’ll be surprised to read about the problems it can cause.

Spray Foam Insulation is made completely of fossil fuels, and buyer beware. Always contact a certified high-performance builder before you have spray foam insulation installed.

DID YOU KNOW: Spray Foam Insulation

Build Your Home, Did You Know?, For Homeowners, Useful Information / By seon

Spray Foam Insulation is made entirely of fossil fuels, can cause many costly problems with your house and your health – and buyer beware. Always contact a certified high-performance builder before you have spray foam insulation installed.

Cambio sustainable building innovations reducing and analyzing carbon footprint data - building science and high performance building

INNOVATION: Cambio Uses AI to Help Companies Decarbonize Large Commercial Buildings

Innovations / By seon

Cambio: This startup utilizes AI to help companies decarbonize large commercial buildings. By providing a baseline carbon footprint for buildings and offering recommendations based on leading building scientists’ expertise, Cambio contributes to improving building performance and sustainability.

TECLA architect Mario Cucinella / Italian photographer photo credit Iago Corazza

INNOVATIONS: TECLA – Revolutionizing Sustainable Architecture

Innovations / By seon

Recap of an interview with renowned architect Mario Cucinella about TECLA, the world’s first 3D-printed house made from raw earth, and his firm’s approach to sustainable design.

This is the Vermont.gov Residential Contractor approved map for Vermont New England to help consumers protect against home fraud

Press Release: Highlight Residential Contractors’ Registration Program and Unveil New Consumer Protection Tool

News, Press Releases, Tools / By seon

Press Release: Highlight Residential Contractors’ Registration Program and Unveil New Consumer Protection Tool – and SEON Executive Director Guy Payne spoke about the certification program

SEON's Executive Director, Guy Payne meets with the Vermont General Attorney and the Secretary of State’s Office of Professional Regulation to help lead the way: How Vermont's New Residential Contractor Registration Program is Driving Sustainable Construction with SEON's Help

Combating Home Improvement Fraud to Protect Homeowners: SEON on the Move to Ensure Sustainable Construction

News, Policy / By seon

Discover how the fight against home improvement fraud is getting a major boost from a new registration program for residential contractors. Designed to help consumers locate licensed professionals with the necessary expertise to deliver top-quality work, the program also emphasizes the importance of certification to recognize a builder’s mastery in their craft. Join the effort to ensure sustainable, responsible construction and protect your home with this valuable new program.

National Skilled Trades Day – Let’s Honor Our High Performance Builders

Workforce / By seon

Let’s celebrate the high-performance builders who construct the very best homes, enabling people to live their New England dream, by supporting and promoting National Skilled Trades Day. Skilled craftsmen keep our country running smoothly, and high-performance builders build our homes for comfort – and those skilled and certified people in the trade industry elevate our standard of living through their dedication to building exceptionally.